Des Moines University (DMU) is a private, not‑for‑profit university in Des Moines, Iowa, United States, that focuses exclusively on graduate health‑profession education. The university confers professional doctoral degrees in osteopathic medicine, dental medicine, pharmacy, and a range of master's and certificate programs in health‑related fields.
History
- The institution’s earliest predecessor, the Des Moines College of Pharmacy, was founded in 1892.
- The College of Osteopathic Medicine, the core of the present university, was established in 1927 as the Des Moines Osteopathic School of Medicine.
- In 1998 the College of Pharmacy merged with the osteopathic school, creating a unified university structure named Des Moines University.
- The university has expanded its academic portfolio over subsequent decades, adding a College of Dental Medicine (opened in 2012) and various graduate programs in nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and health sciences.
Campus
- The main campus occupies a multi‑building complex in downtown Des Moines, featuring a large simulation center, research laboratories, a teaching hospital affiliation, and student residence facilities.
- Additional instructional sites include a satellite campus for certain graduate programs and clinical rotation sites throughout the region.
Academics
- College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM): Offers the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree; curriculum emphasizes primary care, preventive medicine, and a holistic approach to patient care.
- College of Dental Medicine (CDM): Grants the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree and includes comprehensive clinical training.
- College of Pharmacy (COP): Confers the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree and provides advanced practice residencies.
- Graduate Programs: Include master’s degrees and certificates in nursing, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, health administration, and biomedical sciences.
Accreditation and Affiliation
- Institutional accreditation is provided by the Higher Learning Commission.
- The College of Osteopathic Medicine is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA).
- The College of Dental Medicine is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
- The College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
Research and Clinical Services
Des Moines University operates a research institute that supports investigative work in biomedical sciences, health policy, and clinical practice. The university maintains affiliations with multiple health‑care facilities in Iowa, providing students with clinical rotation opportunities and contributing to community health services.
Notable Alumni
- Several alumni have attained leadership positions in the fields of osteopathic medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy, as well as roles in health‑care administration and public health. (Specific names are omitted here due to the scope of this entry.)
See also
- List of medical schools in the United States
- Osteopathic medicine in the United States
- Higher education in Iowa
References
- Institutional data and accreditation records as publicly available from the Higher Learning Commission, COCA, CODA, and ACPE.
- Historical information derived from Des Moines University archival publications and official university timelines.